News

Before presenting the 2013 Neita Matthews OAM Umpires’ Encouragement Award, Netball NSW President Wendy Archer AM paid tribute to the hard work and tireless commitment that our NSW umpires are doing in the community – whether at local, national or international level.

The following umpires were given special recognition for their achievements throughout the 2013 season, and were given a rousing round of applause from those in attendance.

· Congratulations to Jason Baker (Hawkesbury City) and Michelle McNamara (Liverpool) for receiving their National ‘A’ Badge endorsements during the season;

· Northern Suburbs umpire Courtney Harrington was awarded her National ‘AA’ Badge, with a special presentation held at the NSW Swifts Round 10 home game against the Northern Mystics at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre;

· 21 year old Jemma Carlton (Manly-Warringah) became the youngest official to be Internationally endorsed after officiating the NSW Swifts 2013 opening match against the West Coast Fever at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre; and

· Helen George (Hills District) and Clare McCabe (Eastwood Ryde) were both re-endorsed as IUA umpires for a further four years.

Dinner Emcee Steve Robilliard also made special mention to our umpires who have represented Netball NSW throughout the 2013 ANZ Championship and Australian Netball League seasons, highlighting the achievements Australia’s number one umpire Sharon Kelly who was awarded Netball Australia’s Umpire of the Year for the 12th consecutive season.